Autism Research Articles

Alterations of Regional Homogeneity in Preschool Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

ObjectivesThe study was aimed at investigating the alterations of local spontaneous brain activity in preschool boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).MethodsBased on regional homogeneity (ReHo), the acquired resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data sets, which included 86 boys with ASD and 54 typically developing (TD) boys, were used to detect regional brain activity. Pearson correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between abnormal ReHo value and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), developmental quotient, and age.ResultsIn the ASD group, we found increased ReHo in the right calcarine as well as decreased ReHo in the opercular part of the left inferior frontal gyrus, the left middle temporal gyrus, the left angular gyrus, and the right medial orbital frontal cortex (p < 0.05, false discovery rate correction). We did not find a correlation between the results of brain regions and the CARS, ABC, and age.ConclusionsOur study found spontaneous activity changes in multiple brain regions, especially the visual and language-related areas of ASD, that may help to further understand the clinical characteristics of boys with ASD.

The Relationship of Severity of Autism with Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Serum Zonulin Levels in Autistic Children

To evaluate the relationship between the severity of autism, severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and serum zonulin levels as a marker of increased intestinal permeability in children. Serum zonulin levels were determined in 56 children with ASDs and 55 healthy children. The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and ASD symptoms was assessed with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), respectively. Serum zonulin levels were significantly higher than healthy controls in children with severe autism. A positive correlation was found between the CARS score, GSRS score and serum zonulin levels (r = ; P < .001). Our findings suggest that the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and severity of autism might be related to increased intestinal permeability in ASDs children.

Maternal toxoplasmosis and the risk of childhood autism: serological and molecular small-scale studies

BackgroundToxoplasmosis resulting from infection with the Toxoplasma parasite has become an endemic disease worldwide. Recently, a few studies have reported a high prevalence of Toxoplasmosis infections among Saudi Arabian women. This disease could become life threatening for pregnant women and for immunodeficient people. There is evidence that infections during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism disorder represents one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide; it is associated with delayed language development, weak communication interaction, and repetitive behavior. The relationship between prenatal toxoplasmosis and autism in childhood remains unclear. The present study aims to report a link between maternal toxoplasmosis and autistic offspring among Saudi Arabian women.MethodBlood samples (36 maternal, 36 from their non-autistic children, and 36 from their autistic children) were collected for serological and molecular evaluation.ResultsA toxoplasmosis infection was reported for 33.34% of participants using an ELISA assay (5.56% IgG+/IgM+, 11.11% IgG−/IgM+, and 16.67% IgG+/IgM-); however, a nested PCR assay targeting B1 toxoplasmosis specific genes recorded positive tests for 80.56% of the samples. In addition, the present study detected several points of mutation of mtDNA including NADH dehydrogenase (ND1, ND4) and Cyt B genes and the nDNA pyruvate kinase (PK) gene for autistic children infected with toxoplasmosis.ConclusionConsidering previous assumptions, we suggest that a maternal toxoplasmosis infection could have a role in the development of childhood autism linked to mtDNA and nDNA impairment.

Seeing the forest and the trees: Disentangling autism phenotypes in the age of DSM-5.

This paper, written in honor of Professor Ed Zigler, focuses on some of the themes in developmental disabilities research that were so central to his work. It has now been nearly 80 years since Leo Kanner first identified the prototypic form - early infantile autism - of what is now autism spectrum disorder. In this article we summarize the development of the concept and the important accumulation of knowledge over time that has now led us to the recognition of a broader autism phenotype just as, at the same time, the current official diagnostic system in the USA has narrowed the concept. We also address current controversies regarding autism as the diagnosis is impacted by age and developmental factors, gender, and cultural issues. In parallel to the work on intellectual deficiency and development pioneered by Zigler and his colleagues, we summarize some of the challenges for the years ahead.

Correlation between personality traits in parents and symptoms of autism in children

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder may be more likely to have a mental disorder, both due to genetic and environmental reasons. A cross-sectional study involving 161 children, 161 mothers and 108 fathers. Diagnosis followed the criteria established in DSM–5. Symptom severity was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The Factorial Personality Inventory served to evaluate parents’ personality traits. Several correlations were found between mothers and fathers personality traits and children symptoms. In both parents, personality traits associated with greater intransigence/less flexibility and fewer social skills were those associated with more severe autism symptoms in the children.

Special educational support in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Germany: Results from a parent survey

ObjectiveChildren and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often receive special educational support (SES). This study aimed to evaluate SES prevalence in children and adolescents with ASD in Germany. MethodsA mail survey was distributed to the caregivers of 637 children and adolescents recruited at three German ASD outpatient clinics. ResultsAmong the 211 respondents (response: 33.1 %), 82.5 % were provided with a special educational needs statement, and 63.9 % received special education, most of them attending a public special school (57.9 %). The most frequently indicated additional support was a classroom assistant (69.0 %), followed by smaller learning groups (31.7 %). Special education was less frequently provided to individuals with Asperger syndrome than to those with childhood or atypical autism (36.0 %, 76.1 %, and 63.4 %, respectively). Using logistic regression analysis, receiving special education was significantly associated with lower IQ (<85) (Odds Ratio (OR): 8.72; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 3.41–22.32) and younger age (≤11 years, OR: 2.87; 95 % CI: 1.11–7.38), but not with ASD symptom severity. ConclusionsThe majority of children and adolescents with ASD received SES, indicating a satisfactory supply of such services in Germany. The finding that lower IQ but not ASD symptom severity predicted access to SES raises questions about the specificity of the used selection criteria.

Hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe autism spectrum disorder

Background Vitamin D is an important risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, research on hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe ASD has been limited. To our knowledge, no such studies have been done in Indonesia.&#x0D; Objective To evaluate hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe ASD.&#x0D; Methods This cross-sectional study included children aged 2-18 years who fulfilled the ASD DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Subjects were consecutively sampled from April - June 2019 at the Child Growth and Polyclinic, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta. Assessment of ASD severity was carried out using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale Second Edition (CARS-2) questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D examination was done in the Clinical Laboratory, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital. &#x0D; Results Of 36 children with ASD, 36.1% had hypovitaminosis D (&lt;30 ng/mL) and 69.4% had severe ASD, based on the CARS-2 questionnaire (≥37-60). Bivariate analysis revealed that children with hypovitaminosis D had more severe CARS-2 values ​​(92.3%) compared to those with normal vitamin D levels (56.5%) (PR 1.633; 95%CI 1.10 to 2.42; P=0.031). Multivariate analysis with logistic regression revealed that hypovitaminosis D increased the risk of severe ASD (PR 1.65; 95%CI 1.06 to 2.56; P=0.037). However, other variables such as gender, parental education, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, sleep disorders, pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy had no significant relationships with severe ASD.&#x0D; Conclusion Children with ASD and hypovitaminosis D have a 1.65 times higher risk of severe ASD compared to children with ASD and sufficient vitamin D levels. We recommend that children with ASD undergo serum 25(OH)D monitoring.

Leisure Opportunities for Autistic Children and Adolescents: How Satisfied are Parents and what do they Think their Children Would Like?

Leisure Opportunities for Autistic Children and Adolescents: How Satisfied are Parents and what do they Think their Children Would Like? Like all children and youth, autistic children and adolescents have the right to participate in cultural life including recreational, leisure and sporting activities. Therefore, arrangements have to be made to ensure access to these areas for these particular population (Art. 30 UN-BRK, §§76, 78 BTHG). Thus far, no research has been conducted that examines the need for leisure time facilities for autistic children and/or adolescents in Germany. Therefore, it is unclear if an equal participation in leisure time opportunities is provided. This study presents a first assessment of this topic based on an online-survey of parents of autistic children and adolescents (N = 327). The results indicate, that there is a substantial need for leisure opportunities. Parents of children with infantile and atypical autism show a greater need for more leisure opportunities than parents of children with Asperger Syndrome. In general, the findings show that an equal participation has not been achieved yet. Overall, there is a need for (small) group and sporting activities and especially younger parents asked for specific experiential environments. Possible approaches to a need-oriented organization of leisure facilities for autistic children and adolescents and for an enhancement of leisure opportunities are discussed. The paper further outlines the need for more research in order to provide an empirical basis for equal participation possibilities in public life for autistic children and adolescents.

Association between autism spectrum disorder and polymorphisms in genes encoding serotine and dopamine receptors.

Dysfunctions of the neurotransmitter system are related to the development of many psychological diseases including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are correlated with varied susceptibility of ASD and response to treatments. The association between SNPs in genes encoding serotonin and dopamine receptors and childhood ASD was examined in a Chinese Han population. Both autistic children (n = 319) and age-and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 347) were recruited from a local district. Disease severity was evaluated by the childhood autism rating scale (CARS). SNPs of rs6311 and rs6313 in the serotonin receptor HTR2A gene, rs4630328 in the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) gene and rs167771 in the DRD3 gene were examined. The CC genotype of rs6311 was significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD (odds ratio (OD) = 1.8 vs TT, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-2.8, P = 0.0085). Carriers of the C allele of rs6311 had a significantly higher risk of childhood ASD (OD =1.3, 95% CI = 1.1-1.7, P = 0.0094). A strong linkage disequilibrium was observed between rs6311 and rs6313 (D' = 0.93, r2 = 0.86). There were significant correlations between haplotypes (T-A and C-G of rs6311-rs6313) and risk of childhood ASD. In contrast, the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of rs6313, rs4630328 and rs167771 were not significantly different between the case and control groups. All the SNPs examined were not associated with severity of the disease. Our study demonstrates that certain SNPs in the HTR2A gene, but not the DRD2 and DRD3, are associated with susceptibility to childhood ASD.

Epidemiology and risk of psychiatric disorders among patients with celiac disease: A population-based national study.

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic disorder resulting from an immune reaction to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Although several studies have linked CD to psychiatric diseases, there are limited data on this topic. Using a large database, we sought to describe the epidemiology of several psychiatric disorders in CD. We queried a multicenter database (Explorys Inc), an aggregate of electronic health record data from 26 major integrated healthcare systems from 2016 to 2020 consisting of 360 hospitals in the USA. A cohort of patients with a Systematized Nomenclature Of Medicine - Clinical Terms diagnosis of CD was identified. Multivariate analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Of the 37465810 patients in the database between 2016 and 2020, there were 112340 (0.30%) individuals with CD. When compared with patients with no history of CD, patients with CD were more likely to have a history of anxiety (odds ratio [OR]: 1.385; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.364-1.407), depression (OR: 1.918; 95% CI: 1.888-1.947), bipolar (OR: 1.321; 95% CI: 1.289-1.354), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (OR: 1.753; 95% CI: 1.714-1.792), eating disorder (OR: 15.84; 95% CI: 15.533-16.154), and childhood autistic disorder (OR: 4.858; 95% CI: 3.626-6.508). Patients with CD and psychiatric conditions were more likely to be smokers, with history of alcohol and substance abuse as well as a history of personality disorder. In this large database, patients with CD are at increased risk of having multiple psychiatric diseases including anxiety, depression, bipolar, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorder, and childhood autism. Individual care and referral to psychiatry when appropriate are warranted while taking care of this group of patients.

Perinatal Factors in Newborn Are Insidious Risk Factors for Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Population-based Study.

We analyzed claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database, which contains data of 23.5 million Taiwan residents. We included children born after January 1, 2000 who had received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Patients who were not diagnosed with ASD were included in the control group. The ASD prevalence was 517 in 62,051 (0.83%) children. Neonatal jaundice, hypoglycemia, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and craniofacial anomalies (CFA) differed significantly between the ASD and control groups. After logistic regressive analysis, the adjusted odds ratios of IUGR, CFA, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal jaundice were 8.58, 7.37, 3.83, and 1.32, respectively. Those insidiously perinatal risk factors, namely CFA, IUGR, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal jaundice, could increase the risk of ASD.

Functional benefits of co-occurring autistic symptoms in schizophrenia is delimited by symptom severity

BackgroundImpairments in daily functioning characterize both autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Research has shown that a subsample of schizophrenia patients presents autistic symptoms, leading to the hypothesis that their co-occurrence would be associated with a ‘double dose’ of deficit. A growing body of research examined this hypothesis by looking at the joint effect of autistic and positive psychotic symptoms, and yielded contrasting results, ranging from benefits to adverse effects. We hypothesized that the interactive effect of autistic and positive symptoms on functioning in schizophrenia might depend on the patients' symptom severity. MethodIn 170 schizophrenia patients, a two-step cluster analysis identified two groups of patients with different levels of autistic and positive symptom severity. Using general linear models, we examined the interactions of groups, autistic and positive symptoms on functioning. ResultsAutistic and positive symptoms were interactively associated with better functioning, but only in the symptomatically less severe patients. In contrast, autistic and positive symptoms were independently associated with worse functioning in the symptomatically more severe patients. These associations were observed above and beyond the effects of I.Q. and illness duration. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the complex role played by co-occurring autistic symptoms in schizophrenia, whose beneficial effects on functioning appear to depend on patients’ psychopathological severity. Our findings may help to reconcile the seemingly contrasting results from previous studies, and to understand the heterogeneity of behavior and functional outcomes in schizophrenia. This study underscores the potential utility of routinely assessing autism in schizophrenia, in order to better formulate individualized rehabilitative programs.

Correlation Between Screen Time and Autistic Symptoms as Well as Development Quotients in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Electronic screen media play an increasingly vital role in children's entertainment; however, excessive screen time may negatively influence child development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the screen time of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their autistic symptoms and development quotients (DQs).Methods: We compared the screen time of 101 children with ASD and 57 typically developing (TD) children. Then, we performed a correlation analysis to determine the correlations between the screen time and the ASD-related scale scores and developmental quotients of the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) of ASD children. We further divided the ASD group into subgroups according to the screen time and age and then separately conducted the above correlation analyses by subgroup.Result: The results showed that the screen time of the children with ASD was longer than that of the TD children (3.34 ± 2.64 h vs. 0.91 ± 0.93 h). The screen time of the children with ASD was positively correlated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score (r = 0.242, P = 0.021) and “taste, smell and touch” item of CARS(r = 0.304, P = 0.005), and negatively correlated with the language DQ of the GDS (r = −0.236, P = 0.047). The subgroup analysis showed that in the longer screen time subgroup of ASD children, the screen time was positively correlated with the CARS score (r = 0.355, P = 0.026) and negatively correlated with the DQs of all domains of the GDS (P < 0.05). In addition, in the younger age group of ASD children, the screen time was positively correlated with the CARS score (r = 0.314, P = 0.021) and negatively correlated with the DQs of all domains of the GDS, except for the personal-social behavior domain (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Compared with TD children, children with ASD have a longer screen time. The screen time is related to autism-like symptoms and the DQs of children with ASD. The longer the screen time, the more severe the symptoms of ASD (especially sensory symptoms), and the more obvious the developmental delay, especially in ASD children with a longer screen time and younger age, particularly in the language domain.

Disturbances of Shared Intentionality in Schizophrenia and Autism.

Schizophrenia and autism are today considered complex spectrum disorders characterized by difficulties in social behavior. Drawing on recent advances in collective or shared intentionality studies, we present a novel theoretical approach to these social difficulties by exploring them from the angle of shared intentionality. We begin by describing two forms of shared intentionality: joint intentionality and we-intentionality. Joint intentionality crucially relies on the agents' mentalizing abilities such as mind reading and the ability to factor in (or “to be moved” by) their partner's intentions in deliberation and action planning. By contrast, we-intentionality relies on the agents' capacity to understand themselves as group members and to adopt the group's perspective. In schizophrenia spectrum disorders, we propose that joint intentionality remains unaffected, but we-intentionality may be impaired. In severe autism spectrum disorder (i.e., infantile autism), we propose that both forms of shared intentionality are impaired. We suggest that the source of the problems affecting we-intentionality in schizophrenia spectrum disorders lies primarily in trait-like, anomalous self-experiences. In severe autism spectrum disorder, we suggest that problems with mind reading, the ability to “be moved” by others' intentions, and with the capacity for perspective-taking impede both forms of shared intentionality.

Autism Equality in the Workplace. Removing Barriers and Challenging Discrimination

Autism Equality in the Workplace. Removing Barriers and Challenging Discrimination

Rethinking Measurement Standards of Autism Symptomology in Adolescents with Fragile X Syndrome.

Accurate representation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in fragile X syndrome (FXS) is necessary for the field. We examined classifications of ASD using three approaches-Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2; Lord et al. 2012), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS2-ST; Schopler et al. 2010), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS-II; Sparrow et al. 2005)-in 45 adolescents with FXS. Maladaptive items from the VABS-II plus a maternal interview were matched with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association 2013) criteria for ASD. Results indicated discrepant classifications. The ADOS-2 yielded the highest rate of comorbid autism (71%); CARS2-ST and VABS-II/DSM-5 yielded lower rates (38% and 42%, respectively). A singular measure of autism symptomology is insufficient to characterize autism in FXS.

Analysis of pediatricians’ knowledge about autism

Background/Aim: In autism spectrum disorders (ASD), early diagnosis is important for treatment, and pediatricians are health professionals who are likely to encounter ASD at the earliest stages. In this study, we aimed to examine the information sources of pediatricians, their current knowledge about autism and the affecting factors. Methods: The study was conducted as an online cross-sectional self-report questionnaire and the data of 145 pediatricians were analyzed. The sociodemographic information form created by the researchers and the Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge of Childhood Autism Questionnaire-Turkish Version were filled by the participants. Correct response rates were divided into quantile values and under 3rd Quartile (Q3) was considered “insufficient information.” Logistic regression analysis was used for descriptive data and factors affecting the level of knowledge. Results: Of 145 participants, 59.3% completed Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) internship during their medical education, 60.7% completed CAP rotation, and 49.7% attended training or meetings related to autism. The highest rate of correct answers in autism knowledge evaluation questionnaire was on "Information on social interaction," while the lowest rate of correct answers was on "Information on neurodevelopmental diseases." For the total correct answer rates, the Q3 and Q1 values were 68.1% and 89.5%, respectively. According to the logistic regression model, being single (Mean: 3.60) and not having an MCS rotation (Mean: 8.49) predicted a score below Q3. Conclusions: Our research shows that in this disorder, where early diagnosis is of foremost importance, pediatricians who regularly monitor children have a high level of knowledge about recognizing autistic symptoms; however, there are some deficiencies in answering questions that will resolve the concerns of families about autism. For this reason, pediatricians who examine a child at least 3-4 times a year need pediatric psychiatry training that will give them specific skills in diagnosing and making recommendations, as well as initiating interventions. Another option is being more involved in departments that will enable them to gain experience in autism.

Somatosensory Temporal Discrimination in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Sensory differences are common in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While there is no well-accepted method to measure sensory differences objectively, there is accumulating evidence from recent years concerning sensory perception, including data concerning temporal discrimination thresholds of individuals with ASD as measured by different measures. The somatosensory temporal discrimination (STD) test measures the threshold at which an individual can temporally discriminate multiple tactile stimuli delivered in succession. We aimed to investigate tactile perception in ASD and hypothesized that children with ASD have impaired STD related to their subjective sensory symptoms and daily difficulties. Thirty adolescents with ASD and 30 typically developed subjects were recruited. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile were implemented before STD evaluation. Average somatosensory detection (1.48 ± 0.42) and discrimination thresholds (112.70 ± 43.45) of the children with ASD were significantly higher (P = 0.010, P = 0.001, respectively) than those of the controls (1.18 ± 0.42, 79.95 ± 31.60, respectively). Sensory seeking scores of the ASD group (40.8 ± 7.60) were significantly lower (P = 0.024) than those of the control group (45.83 ± 9.17). However, the psychophsycal thresholds did not have any statistically significant relationships with subjective sensory symptoms or daily difficulties. This study demonstrates impaired sensory processing in ASD evaluated by STD and its lack of relationship with subjective sensory symptoms and daily difficulties. This psychophysical evidence of increased STD thresholds and decreased sensory seeking profile supports the disturbances in the regulation of sensory processing in ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Sensory differences are common in autism; however, there is no well-accepted method to measure them objectively. This study aims to investigate somatosensory differences and their relation with sensory and emotional/behavioral difficulties of children with autism. We show that autistic children have higher tactile discrimination thresholds and fewer sensory seeking behaviors. This supports the presence of impairments in sensory processing in autism. Measuring the sensory differences may help understanding clinical symptoms and neurobiological underpinings of autism. Autism Res 2021, 14: 656-667. © 2021 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Functional Constipation Frequency in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Aim: In our study, we aimed to determine the frequency of functional constipation in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders by child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health.Materials and Methods: Between September 2017 and September 2018, children with autism spectrum disorder who applied to BakırköySadiKonuk Education and Research Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic were evaluated by means of childhood autism rating scale (CARS). A total of 108 patients were evaluated with the Roman IV criteria and the frequency of functional constipation was investigated.Results: A total of 108 cases, 87% (n = 94) male and 13% (n = 14) female, were studied. The ages of the patients were between 2 and 15 years and the mean age was 6.89 ± 2.76. Organic constipation was not detected in patients with constipation and all of them were diagnosed as functional constipation. There was no statistically significant difference between the rates of functional constipation in cases according to gender. The incidence of functional constipation in males was significantly higher in patients with severe autism than in those with mild to moderate autism. “Two or fewer defecations in the toilet per week” criteria was found significantly higher in girls than in boys. No significant difference was found for the other five criteria according to gender. Each of the six criteria of the Rome IV criteria were found to be significantly higher in patients with severe autism than those with mild to moderate autism according to CARS scores. One of the Roman IV criteria, “History of large diameter stools that may obstruct the toilet” was found significantly higher in patients aged nine years and older. No significant correlation was found between the other criteria and age groups.Conclusion: All of the six criteria of the Roman IV criteria were significantly higher in cases with severe autism according to CARS, compared to those with mild to moderate autism.

Functional Constipation Frequency in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Aim: In our study, we aimed to determine the frequency of functional constipation in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders by child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health.Materials and Methods: Between September 2017 and September 2018, children with autism spectrum disorder who applied to BakırköySadiKonuk Education and Research Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic were evaluated by means of childhood autism rating scale (CARS). A total of 108 patients were evaluated with the Roman IV criteria and the frequency of functional constipation was investigated.Results: A total of 108 cases, 87% (n = 94) male and 13% (n = 14) female, were studied. The ages of the patients were between 2 and 15 years and the mean age was 6.89 ± 2.76. Organic constipation was not detected in patients with constipation and all of them were diagnosed as functional constipation. There was no statistically significant difference between the rates of functional constipation in cases according to gender. The incidence of functional constipation in males was significantly higher in patients with severe autism than in those with mild to moderate autism. “Two or fewer defecations in the toilet per week” criteria was found significantly higher in girls than in boys. No significant difference was found for the other five criteria according to gender. Each of the six criteria of the Rome IV criteria were found to be significantly higher in patients with severe autism than those with mild to moderate autism according to CARS scores. One of the Roman IV criteria, “History of large diameter stools that may obstruct the toilet” was found significantly higher in patients aged nine years and older. No significant correlation was found between the other criteria and age groups.Conclusion: All of the six criteria of the Roman IV criteria were significantly higher in cases with severe autism according to CARS, compared to those with mild to moderate autism.